Weightlifting is also involved in the murals. Most scenes described in the murals are men lifting by snatch with one hand or by clean and jerk with both hands. A mural from the No.61 grotto was depicted men lifting bell or brazier or standing upon the galloping horse with hand lifting an iron board.

Furthermore, other Olympic events such as javelin throwing, swimming and diving can be glimpsed from the murals as well.

A mural about javelin throwing of Western Wei Dynasty (535-556) from No.249 grotto of Mogao grotto in Dunhuang

The Dunhuang murals are not only a witness to the prosperity of ancient Chinese sport, but also a demonstration of the descendent relation between ancient sports and Olympic events.

By  Feng Hui